Lakewood Funeral Chapel
98 North Dixie Drive
Lake Jackson, TX  77566
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Lakewood Funeral Chapel
98 North Dixie Drive
Lake Jackson, TX  77566
Map & Directions  Map & Directions

Send Flowers Send Flowers

Rita Laura Pursley Gates

of Clute, Texas,

November 6, 1924 - March 2, 2012


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
Rita Pursley Gates of Clute, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2012. Rita was the youngest of 7 daughters and 1 brother, born to Guessipe and Mamie Calo of Palermo, Italy, on November 6, 1924.

Rita married Robert L. Pursley and together they raised 3 children: Robert Wayne, Carol Jean and Joyce Marie. After Robert Lee passed away, Rita married David W. Gates, where they resided in Alvin, Texas until David's passing.

Rita accepted Christ early in life. She attended 1st Assembly of God in Clute, Texas and later Heights Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas.

Rita devoted her life raising her children and always being there to help anyone that needed help. She was an avid 42 player and spent many years enjoying the game with family and friends. Her second love was deer hunting and spent most of the season hunting for that big buck.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her children: Robert Pursley (Geri) of Lorena, Texas, Carol Hegwer (Jack) of Elmendorf, Texas and Joyce Gartman (Harold) of Lake Jackson, Texas. Rita also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death was her loving husbands, Robert Lee Pursley and David W. Gates, 6 sisters, one brother and her parents.

The family will receive friends 6pm until 8pm Saturday at Lakewood. Funeral services will be 3pm Sunday, March 5, 2012 at Lakewood Funeral Chapel with Rev. Scott Mc Kay officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Kenny Gartman, Robert Gartman, Jack Mooney, Shawn Riley, Charles Devona and Eddie Sanford.

We would like to give a special thank you to the Creekside Village staff that has been so loving, caring and compassionate with our mother. Also, we want to thank AMED hospice who kept us informed and mother comfortable.

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5 Condolence(s)
Nancy Allinson McGowen
Devine, TX
Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Dear Robert and Carol, Just want y'all to know I am lifting you up and praying for you and your families in the loss of your mom. What a beautiful lady she was. May the Lord give you strength during this difficult time. God Bless, Nancy

Eileen McMillan-Koenig
Freeport, TX
Sunday, March 4, 2012

I am so sorry to hear you have lost your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. God's Peace, Eileen

Phil & Sharon Piper
Angleton, TX
Sunday, March 4, 2012

Joyce, we are so sorry for your loss. I know your mother was a very happy person and I remember those times she came and visited us at CIS. She lived a life that touched so many and as the pain of her going home eases, I'm sure you will dwell on those good times and take comfort in knowing she is there with her Saviour enjoying all the promises that were prepared just for her.....Phil & Sharon

Robin Bonneau MacArthur
Pasadena, TX
Saturday, March 3, 2012

I remember as a little girl Rita was friends with my grandparents, IdaBell & Dan Felder, and I use to sit and watch them play dominoes for hours and hours. I was also lucky enough to spend time with them at the deer lease each year. These were some of the happiest times of my childhood. Rita always brought along her little 4 legged friends when visiting with Granny and Papa, and I would enjoy playing with them while sitting in the kitchen just listening to her and my grandparents. Rita was a wonderful lady, and will be missed by many!

Diane David Card
Angleton, Tx
Saturday, March 3, 2012

As I opened the newspaper this morning, I broke down and cried. I am sorry for the loss of your Mother, she was such a big influence on my teen years. She was such a vibrant lady, so young at heart. I loved her free spirit. I remember how she dressed and her laughter. I remember when Bob ( your Father) passed she would come to Dan and Ida Bell's house, sit in the kitchen and sing Pop A Top Again, and sit there and laugh. I loved her, I did not realize she had been in Creekside Village. My Deepest Sympathy to the family, a great lady has passed, she will be missed by all.............Diane